Guides / Islands & beaches
The best beaches in Puerto Vallarta (and which ones you reach by boat)
The most recommended beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay: in town, along the south coast and the ones you can only reach by sea.
Banderas Bay · Updated October 2026
Fact sheet
- In town
- Camarones and Los Muertos
- Easy snorkeling
- Conchas Chinas
- Surfing
- Sayulita and Punta de Mita
- By sea only
- Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Yelapa
Banderas Bay has beaches for every taste: lively town beaches, calm coves for swimming and hidden beaches tucked into the jungle. Here are the most recommended, from north to south.
North of the bay
Nuevo Vallarta and Bucerías, across the line in Nayarit, have long, wide beaches that are good for walks and families. Farther out, Punta de Mita and Sayulita are known for surfing and their small-town vibe.
In town
Playa Camarones, next to the Malecón, is calm and central. Los Muertos Beach, in the Romantic Zone, is the liveliest, with restaurants, atmosphere and the pier where water taxis leave. Conchas Chinas, a bit farther south, has rock pools for swimming and easy snorkeling.
Along the south coast
Mismaloya, facing Los Arcos, and Boca de Tomatlán, where the river meets the sea, are reachable by road. From Boca the trail leads to Colomitos, a small turquoise cove.
By sea only
Madagascar, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Yelapa have no road: you arrive by boat or on foot. They're the calmest and the best showcase of the jungle meeting the sea.
Tips
Pay attention to surf flags, use reef-safe sunscreen and carry water. At beaches without road access it's wise to bring cash.
How to go
If you'd like to go with us
Our catamaran day tours visit several of the beaches you can only reach by sea, with food, drinks and activities included.
Keep reading
All guides
Islands & beaches
Snorkeling at Los Arcos de Mismaloya: what to see and how to go
20°33′ N · Off Mismaloya, south of town
Islands & beaches
Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach: what you should know
20°42′ N · Off Punta de Mita, Nayarit
Islands & beaches
Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Madagascar: beaches you reach only by sea
20°30′ N · By boat or by trail
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